ECRI U.S. leading indicator slips

U.S. stocks could face difficulty gaining traction next week as the S&P 500 bumps against the 1,100 mark and investors become content to cool their heels rather than risk losing gains made for the year.

Encouraging earnings news from major retailers and The Walt Disney Co. drew investors back into the stock market to cap a second big week of gains.

Raytheon Co. received a $46.7 million contract boost from the Navy for production design for the DDG-1000 Zumwalt destroyer, the Pentagon said late Friday.

A weaker dollar may boost the nation’s economy by increasing exports and narrowing the trade gap — but that won’t happen anytime soon.

Investors made few moves in the Treasury market Friday, relieved that another week of auctions has come to an end. Treasury yields slipped from Thursday when the government wrapped up $81 billion of debt auctions with its issue of $16 billion of 30-year bonds.

Biopharmaceutical company Icagen Inc. said Friday the Nasdaq Stock Market has given the company 180 calendar days to regain compliance with its minimum listing requirements.

The following stocks were among those that moved substantially or traded heavily Friday on the New York Stock Exchange: NYSE:

U.S. stocks rose in light volume on Friday to achieve a second straight week of gains as upbeat retail news reinforced hopes for strong sales in the key holiday season

A strong debut by Dollar General in its first day of trading may signal a warmer reception for public offerings, a market that nearly froze last year and has had a fitful recovery.